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KPMG renews commitment to Lazaridis accounting program at Laurier with a donation of $250,000

Waterloo – KPMG announced its renewed support for the accounting area at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business & Economics with a $250,000 donation to the university Oct. 16.

“Years before they choose their professions, our future leaders depend on the process of self-discovery and learning that academic programs like Laurier’s Lazaridis School of Business & Economics provide,” said Mary Jo Fedy, managing partner, KPMG LLP Waterloo office. “That’s why KPMG Foundation supports undergraduate and graduate business programs. Our firm's contribution is just one way we can help inspire young people to develop to their full potential.”

KPMG’s gift will support several crucial areas in accounting at Laurier: the continuation of two KPMG Fellowships put in place in 2011, and the addition of a third, which will allow Laurier to retain top talent, recruit new talent, assist with professional and course development, support the continuation of the popular KPMG Bootcamp, and launch a new annual event, KPMG Day.

“KPMG and Laurier have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial partnership, which we continue through this generous gift supporting research, professional and pedagogical development and industry-academia relationship-building,” said Micheál J. Kelly, dean of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics. ”We are grateful to KPMG for the breadth and depth of their generosity, which spans not only financial support but also the sharing of knowledge and experience through student mentorship and education.”

The annual KPMG Bootcamp, now in its sixth year, offers a special education workshop to second-year co-op students interested in pursuing careers in accounting. The workshop is designed to give them an edge in the field. KPMG Day, another annual event to be organized by Experiential Learning and Career Development at Laurier, will provide students with career development workshops, career information sessions and networking opportunities.

“At Laurier, we prioritize immersive learning opportunities to prepare our students for their chosen careers. This is one of the ways we ensure our students are ready to make contributions as valued professionals the minute they step outside these walls,” said Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier president and vice-chancellor. “Together with KPMG, we are creating economic opportunity in our communities through research and training. We thank KPMG for being such a strong partner – they are setting a high bar for community engagement and philanthropy in our community.”

For many years, facilitated through Fedy’s dedicated efforts, KPMG and Laurier have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership preparing students for successful careers in the field of accounting. Including this gift, KPMG has donated more than $813,000 to Laurier, through event sponsorships, scholarships and awards, professorships and technology.

KPMG has previously designated support to the Centre for Co-operative Education and Career Development and the LaunchPad $50K Venture Creation Competition. KPMG’s support was recognized by naming the KPMG Atrium in the Lazaridis School’s former building. More than 135 Laurier alumni work at KPMG, many in leadership positions. Since 1994, KPMG has hired co-op students for a total of 650 work terms.

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About KPMG

KPMG is a Canadian leader in delivering audit, tax and advisory services. KPMG operates in over 40 locations across Canada. The firm’s more than 700 partners and more than 6,500 employees provide crucial services to many of the top business, not for profit and government organizations in Canada. They add value for clients by investing continuously to build their knowledge of the industries they serve: consumer and industrial businesses; energy and natural resources; financial services; information, communications and entertainment; mining, public sector; real estate, building and construction and private equity. With a worldwide presence, KPMG continues to build on their member firms' successes thanks to their clear vision, maintained values and their people.

About Laurier

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading Canadian university known for academic excellence and a culture that inspires lives of leadership and purpose. Laurier has a distinct commitment to teaching, research and scholarship, combined with a strong student focus, high levels of student satisfaction and a deep sense of community. Laurier’s innovative educational model purposefully integrates the academic learning experience with an experiential learning component. The university has more than 19,000 students throughout its campuses in Waterloo and Brantford and locations in Kitchener and Toronto. The university celebrated its centennial in 2011. www.wlu.ca